Using a formula that combines statistical analytics and scouting, MLB Network named Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera the top third baseman heading into the 2012 season on their program Top 10 Right Now.

The choice is likely to raise the eyebrows of many fans and pundits who are unsure what kind of defensive player Cabrera will be with his move back across the diamond. He has spent the majority of the past four seasons playing first base for the Tigers. When Cabrera last played third for a full season, in 2007 with the Florida Marlins, he committed 27 errors.

AP File PhotoWe know Miguel Cabrera will deliver with his bat, but his fielding remains a question mark.

It's those defensive concerns that led MLB Network analyst Joe Sheehan to rank Cabrera fourth on his personal list.

"I have to admit I think he's the best raw hitter in baseball," Sheehan said. "Forget base-running, defense, he's the best pure hitter. But when you look at some of the guys we're talking about at this level -- Beltre, Longoria and Zimmerman -- these guys who can save 20 runs a year with their gloves. When you compare to Cabrera, who could be a 15-run guy to maybe a 30-run guy to the bad, you're talking about a 40 or 50 run difference defensively. That's very hard to make up, even if you are the best hitter in baseball."

Another panelist on the show, Mike Lowell, who played third base for 13 years, believes Cabrera's offensive impact overrides the defensive concerns.

"I agree with the (final list) because the offense is so staggering," Lowell said. "He's not only an MVP candidate every year, he's a triple crown candidate every year."

Last season Cabrera led baseball with a .344 batting average and .448 on-base percentage. He finished the season with 30 home runs and 105 RBI, the eighth straight season he's had at least 25 and 100 in the categories.